President Duterte vows to meet PHP3T infrastructure development target

TAGUM CITY, May 18 -- President Rodrigo Duterte vowed Thursday to meet his administration's target to spend PHP3 trillion for infrastructure projects in five years to further accelerate the country's economic growth.

He made the commitment during the inauguration of the PHP757 million Governor Miranda Bridge II along Daang Maharlika crossing Libuganon River in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

The President led the bridge's inauguration despite heavy rains Thursday afternoon.

Duterte noted that government spending on infrastructure could spur economic activities and create jobs for the people.

"Ang kwarta motuyok lang sa mga tao (Money will revolve among the people)," he said, emphasizing the need to avoid corruption in carrying out the projects.

While the construction of the bridge did not start during his presidency, Duterte said it is important to continue the good policies of the previous administration.

The expansion of the bridge started in 2015 and completed last April 21. The bridge, measuring 650 meters long, was constructed to serve as an alternate bridge to the old Miranda Steel Bridge built in 1956.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) constructed the bridge because the number of users of the old bridge has increased tremendously due to the economic and tourism boom in Davao del Norte and the neighboring provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.

The new bridge was constructed with a higher elevation, designed to protect commuters from the dangers of flooding in the area.

The bridge will also provide inter-regional linkage without hampering the flow of traffic even during flooding occurrences in low-lying areas.

"I hope this will serve you for another 50 to 70 years," Duterte said.
(PNA)